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TREKKER HANDBOOK
biketreknewengland.org | (800) 499-LUNG

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR

Mission 1
ALA Contacts 1
What to Expect 2
Dates to Remember 3
Paperwork 4
Getting There 5
Where to Stay 6
How to Prepare 7
Identification 8
Fundraising
Managing Donations 9
Workplace Giving 10
Developing a Plan 11
Soliciting Donations 12
Managing Donations II 13
Incentives for Them and You 14
Safety Regulations 15
Ride Smart 16
Rules for Riding 17–18
Road Safety 19–20
Trek Teams 21
Preparing 22
Trek Coupon Section 23–30
Official Lodging Sponsors 31
Trek Sponsors Back cover
WELCOME
A LETTER FROM ALA

Dear Trekker:

Thank you for registering for the 2011 Trek Across Maine. This will be the 27th
annual ride and we are excited to celebrate the success of the American Lung
Association with a weekend full of fun. The Trek is one of Maine’s largest health
promotion events and a celebration of volunteerism, fitness, cycling, and mission-
based fundraising, along with fun and memories to last for many years to come!

The Trek is more than just a 3-day bicycle ride. The average amount of money
raised by Trek participants is 50% higher than the minimum required. While some
first time Trekkers focus largely on the event, many join those veterans who have
become deeply connected to our mission. The Trek Across Maine provides the vast
majority of our resources. Trekkers are the investors in our work and we take this
relationship very seriously.

We are committed to assuring that the maximum amount of money raised by the
Trek goes to our mission–oriented work in Maine and not to overhead.You are
a critical factor in keeping costs down. We are very pleased that so many of you
are using our electronic options for fundraising and communications.Your actions
reduce our expenses and reduce pollution.

Thank you once again for registering for the 2011 Trek Across Maine. We look
forward to seeing you at Sunday River and at the Belfast finish line!

Sincerely,

American Lung Association Staff

MISSION
ABOUT US

About the Mission

The American Lung Association (ALA) is the oldest voluntary health organization in
the nation. The mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung
disease.

With the funds you raise, we are fighting for air through education, research and
advocacy. Without your help, our history of success would not have been possible.

Where Your Contribution Goes

To find more information about how your contribution helps the American Lung
Association in Maine, please follow these steps to view our Annual Reports online:

• Visit our website: lungne.org

• Click “About Us”
• Click “Annual Reports”

If the current Annual Report you are looking for has not been posted, please
check back again periodically

ALA Staff Contact Information

The staff at the American Lung Association in Maine are here to
answer your questions and provide support. Please visit our website at
biketreknewengland.org as we are continually adding new Trek information.

If you cannot find what you need, please contact us directly:

Event Management Volunteers

Kathryn Libby Kim Denbow
klibby@lungne.org kdenbow@lungne.org
207-624-0307 207-624-0313
Trek Teams General Questions
Gale Auclair 1-888-241-6566 x0312
teams@lungne.org biketreknewengland.org
207-624-0302
Pledges, Registration & Rooming
Chrystal Toner
trekacrossmaine@lungne.org
207-624-0312
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 WHAT TO EXPECT
AT YOUR TREK EXPERIENCE

Your Trek Experience Includes:

• Dinner on June 17; breakfast & dinner on June 18; breakfast & lunch on June 19
• Overnight accommodations for June 17 & 18 based on choice and availability
in a dorm room, gym/fieldhouse or campsite. Additional accommodations are
available at your own expense. ALA provides shuttles to designated motels.
• Trek 2011 t-shirt
• Luggage delivery to each facility
• Entertainment
• Trek team photo (if applicable)
• Sponsor product donations and fundraising incentive prizes
• Volunteer, medical, mechanic, rest stops and route support from start to finish
each day
• Medal of accomplishment and catered meal on Sunday, June 19

Optional Services: (Available at a cost)

Your Trek experience includes all of the above; however, you may choose additional
services during Trek weekend. The following are offered at an additional cost (ALA
receives no proceeds from optional services.) Check our website for pricing details
on all optional services.

• Bus Rides: ALA contracts with Custom Coach & Limousine to provide one
way and round trip bus transportation from Portland, Augusta,Yarmouth,
Bangor and Belfast to Sunday River on Thursday and return from Belfast on
Sunday. ALA determines the cost per ticket based on expenses. Bus schedule
and reservation form will be available online starting April 1, 2011.
• Sunday River Rooming/Camping: Many Trekkers choose to arrive at Sunday
River Ski Resort on Thursday evening to participate in Trekker check-in, meet
up with friends and enjoy a night’s sleep. Hotel rooms, condos and camping
options are available. Camping option is a $12 fee per tent (includes breakfast
on Friday, June 17). Call Sunday River after March 1, 2011 for rooming prices,
reservations and information: 1-800-543-2754.
• Sunday River Meals: Thursday night dinner served from 4:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
($12 inclusive). Friday morning breakfast served from 5:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. ($10
inclusive).
• Belfast Finish Line Guest Meal Tickets: Trekker and volunteer meals are
included with your ride. Guest meals must be purchased in advance. Order
form will be available online after April 1, 2011.

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DATES TO REMEMBER
MARK YOUR CALENDAR

March
• Make your accommodations for Thursday, June 16 at Sunday River by March 1.
Please call 1-800-543-2754 for room and camping reservations.

April
• Bus reservation sales begin online and by phone order on April 1.
• Belfast meal ticket sales begin online and by phone order on April 1.

May
• Team registration deadline is May 13. Must have a minimum of five registered
participants to be an Official Trek Team.
• Deadline to qualify for Speedy Check-In & Workplace Giving paperwork is May
24. (No workplace giving is accepted at Sunday River check-in.)
• Registration and bus reservation sales close for the 2011 Trek Across Maine on
May 24.

June
• Deadline to purchase Belfast finish line guest meal ticket is June 7.
• Trekker Check-In—Sunday River Resort on June 16, 2011
Thursday Night: 2:00 p.m.–9:15 p.m. @ Summit Hotel
Friday Morning: 6:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. @ South Ridge
(Speedy Check-In only on Friday morning)
• June 17–June 19 is the 2011 Trek Across Maine

June 15–17: Save the dates for

the 2012 Trek Across Maine!

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 PAPERWORK
FOR A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

Completing Your Paperwork

You can submit Trek related paperwork via email, snail mail (postmarked by) or fax
before May 24, 2011 to qualify for speedy check-in.

Your paperwork is considered complete once you have:

• Submitted the minimum of $500 in pledges or $400 for ages 7-17 (collected
and/or billed)
• Had your bicycle inspected and have submitted the Bicycle Inspection Form
(signed by a bike shop).You may have your bike inspected in your state
• Signed and submitted your Safety and Crash Prevention/Code of Conduct Form

Note: DO NOT send any paperwork after May 24. Once this date has passed,
you must bring all paperwork with you for regular check-in at Sunday River
on June 16, 2011.

Speedy Check-In

Speedy check-in is a huge benefit to Trekkers when they are checking in a Sunday
River on Thursday evening (2:00pm—9:30pm - Line closes at 9:15pm). The line is
much faster, in fact, it’s speedy!

As a part of speedy check-in, we simply ask you to sign our Waiver of Liability, pick
up your commemorative Trek t-shirt, map and other event items.

Trekkers who submit all their paperwork and a balance of $500 in collected or
billed pledges by May 24, 2011 are automatically qualified for Speedy Check-In.

Questions about Speedy or Regular Check-In?

Email: trekacrossmaine@lungne.org
Mail: ALA, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330
Fax: 207-626-2919

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GETTING THERE
DIRECTIONS TO SUNDAY RIVER

Driving Directions to Sunday River

Sunday River Ski Resort is located in Newry, Maine. Traveling from the south, take
Route 26 to Bethel, then take Route 2 East. From the north and west, take Route 2
West. From Route 2, turn onto Sunday River Road, marked by the large Sunday River
Brewery. Follow Sunday River Road to a fork with a "Sunday River Ski Resort" sign.
Fork left for the Grand Summit Resort Hotel, base lodges, and amenities (1 mile).

• Trekker and Volunteer Check-In, meals, memorabilia sales are located at the
Grand Summit Hotel
• Shuttle & Trolley services are provided to and from all locations at Sunday River
• Weekend vehicle parking, bicycle storage, mechanic support and water are
located at South Ridge Lodge
• Trek start line (7:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.) located at South Ridge Lodge

Transportation to Sunday River

You can arrange your own transportation, carpool, or take advantage of one of our
bus systems. One-way and round trip bus tickets are available for a fee. Make your
reservation early because space is limited. We will begin taking bus reservations on
April 1, 2011. Reserve your ticket online at biketreknewengland.org or call 888-241-
6566 x0306. Look for more detailed information in the near future.

5
 WHERE TO STAY
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Trek Accommodations Options

Gym and camping areas are available on each campus. Trekkers are able to sign up
for a dorm bed, not a dorm room. ALA provides a dorm bed waiting list option for
Trekkers that are interested in requesting a dorm bed the weekend of the Trek.

Waiting List Rules:

• ALA will take names for the waiting list on Thursday, June 16th at Sunday River.
No names will be added to the list prior to this date.
• The list will be capped at 200 names on a first come-first served basis.
• You can request a bed in the same room as a friend/family member, but we
cannot guarantee that your request will be fulfilled.
NOTE: If you are not attending the Trek, you cannot give your bed away to
a friend or family member. If you can’t attend, please contact ALA with this
information and your dorm bed will go into the pool for available rooms on
the waiting list.
Colby Loop Route Accommodations
If you select the Colby Loop option you will stay at the Colby College campus
on both Friday and Saturday night.You and your bike will be transported from
Farmington to Colby College on Friday, between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.Your
luggage will be transported directly from Sunday River to Colby College campus.

If you choose “off campus” arrangements on Friday, you must arrange your own
transportation to and from the campus as shuttle service will not begin until
Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

Alternative Accommodations
Optional accommodations are also available offsite, but you must make and pay
for your own reservations. ALA provides shuttle service to/from the below listed
motels and on college campuses.

{
Farmington:
• Mount Blue Motel
Shuttle service provided • The Colonial
to the following motels: • Wilton Comfort Inn and Suites
• Farmington Motel

Waterville:
• Comfort Inn
• Fireside Inn and Suites
• Waterville Grand Hotel
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HOW TO PREPARE
WHAT TO BRING & WHAT TO EXPECT

Pack Lightly!
Trek Volunteers are responsible for lifting over 4,500 pieces of luggage each day
and you will carry your own luggage to your dorm room (after a full day of cycling).
Please pack in small sized soft-sided duffel bag weighing no more than 20 lbs.
Each Trekker is allowed one personal bag and one sleeping bag (and one tent if
camping).

To be Carried by Trekker: Pack in your Luggage:

• Emergency Medical Info • Padded bike shorts (3) pairs
• Health Insurance Card • Pair of long biking pants
• Prescription Medications • Biking foot wear
• Money • Long sleeve polypropylene shirt
• Ace bandage & Band-Aids • T-shirts (4 or 5)
• Aspirin & Advil • Clothes and shoes for evening
• Bag Balm • Bathing suit
• BenGay • Flip flops for the shower
• Bug Spray • Towel & toiletries
• Chapstick • Plastic bag for wet garments
• Helmet (required) • Battery operated alarm clock
• Bike gloves • Pillow
• Rain Gear • Sleeping Bag
• Adjustable wrench • Twin sheets for dorm mattress
• Rear view mirror • Sleeping Mat (for the gym)
• Bicycle bell Tip: Pack above items in Ziplock bags
• Tire irons & Patch kits
• Tire pump & 2 extra tubes Campers don’t forget to pack:
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen • Tent & Stakes
• Trek Map • Flashlight
• Water Bottles (2) (or • Sleeping mat, Sleeping bag
Camel Back)

Where to Bring Your Luggage

Refer to your event schedule for designated luggage location and departure
times at each facility. Each morning take your luggage to the designated areas that
corresponds with your Friday night accommodations. To remain on schedule,
luggage trucks must leave on time.

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 IDENTIFICATION
OF YOU,YOUR LUGGAGE & YOUR BIKE

Identifying Yourself
Each Trekker is assigned a unique Trekker number. This number is used to identify
you during the entire weekend. For safety purposes it is mandatory to wear your
Trekker number while riding. Should you have a problem, this number will help us
retrieve your medical and emergency contact information immediately.

You will receive your Trekker numbers when you check-in at Sunday River along
with instructions on proper number placement.

Identifying Your Luggage

• You will receive two luggage tags. One is for your duffle bag and one is for your
sleeping bag.
• If you are camping you will receive three luggage tags. One is for camping gear.
• The color of your luggage tags will correspond with the color assigned to your
accommodations for Friday night (ex. dorm, gym, camping). The number on your
luggage tag will match the number on your meal bracelet (ex. 1, 1*, 2, 2*).
• If you are taking a bus home from Belfast on Sunday, June 19, you will receive
an additional orange luggage tag. It is imperative that you put this tag on your
luggage in addition to your other tags.Your luggage will be placed under a
separate tent in Heritage Park on Sunday in Belfast.
• When you have arrived at the luggage location for your accommodations, the
number on your meal bracelet will tell you which row your luggage will be in.
NOTE: Please be sure to remove all old luggage tags from previous years to
avoid any confusion!

Identifying Your Bike

Be sure to place your bicycle in the designated secure area and lock it. Each campus
provides security personnel to guard bikes.

Sunday River Discovery Center at South Ridge

UMF South Street Mantor Green
UMF Campers Prescott Field Camping Area
Colby Field House
Colby Loop Field House

NOTE: Bikes are not allowed in the dorm rooms.

8
FUNDRAISING
MANAGING DONATIONS

All fundraising must be accompanied by a completed pledge sheet, with the Trekker’s
name & Trekker Number. Without this information we are unable to properly enter
pledge information into your account.

Cash:
Trekkers must convert cash to a bank check or money order (not a personal check)
before submitting to ALA.

Checks:
Checks must be sent to ALA (by the Trekker or donor) as soon as they are written
or collected. All checks must be payable to ALA. If you receive a check made out to
you, please endorse the back and write “payable to ALA”.

Billed Pledges:
ALA offers billing service for pledges in the amounts of $25 or more. Please send
your pledges to ALA on the provided pledge sheets or enter them online. The first
billing will be mailed mid-July and continued on the 15th of each month through
October. Remaining unpaid pledges that represent the $500 fundraising minimum
must be collected or paid by the Trek participant.

Online Services:
• Donations can be made online using a credit card
• Trekkers can enter pledges online themselves for donors who have asked to be
billed. Donors requesting to be billed will receive their first bill after the Trek in
mid July.
• Trekkers can NOT enter collected donations online (i.e. checks, money orders
or workplace giving). These should be mailed to our office.

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 FUNDRAISING
WORKPLACE GIVING

The American Lung Association (ALA) accepts donations toward Trek pledges made
through:

• United Way (UW)

• Maine State Employees Combined Charitable Appeal (MSECCA)
• Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and
• Combined Health Appeal (CHA)

When submitting workplace giving forms to the ALA, please follow these
procedures:
1. You must submit a copy of your campaign form to ALA. Please make sure you
indicate Trekker name and amount to be received by ALA on the form. This is
the most important step in the workplace giving process. (Make a photocopy
of this form for your records)
2. Completed campaign form must be postmarked and mailed to ALA by May
24, 2011 to count towards your pledge total.
3. If your employer participates in online programs, ALA must receive a letter/
email from your payroll department or campaign branch with your donation
information.

Most campaigns keep an administrative fee of your donation. The average fee is 20%.
Example: $500 donation – ALA receives $400 (after 20% admin fee). Please keep this
in mind when you are fundraising to reach the $500 Trek minimum.
Questions regarding workplace giving? Email: trekacrossmaine@lungne.org

10
FUNDRAISING
DEVELOPING A PLAN

Draft a Target List

You will be surprised at how many people you know and what a resource they
can be for fundraising and encouragement. Remember you are not asking for a
contribution for yourself; you are asking for their support of the American Lung
Association.
Have you thought of asking these folks to be a donor?

• Aerobics/Spin Instructors • Florist

• Babysitter/Daycare Center • Golf Partners
• Business Suppliers • Hair Stylist
• Car Dealers • Insurance Agent
• Parents • Manicurist
• Clients • Minister/Church Members
• College Classmates • Neighbors
• Co-Workers • Relatives
• Dentists/Doctors • Sorority/Fraternity
• Employer • Spouse’s Business Associates
• Financial Advisor • Veterinarian

Fundraising Online

Create a Website: You can create your personal Trek fundraising web page through
ALA online services.

You can then email your page and request contributions from family, friends, co-
workers and businesses. The recipient can pledge you directly online with a credit
card, or they can choose to be billed after the ride.

To create your page, visit biketreknewengland.org.

Send out E-mails: E-mail is a great and simple way to get information to a lot of
people in a short amount of time. Unlike letters sent through the mail, e-mails can
be much shorter but can still be powerful tools to help you get your fundraising
message to a large group of people.

When you write e-mails to potential donors, be sure these people actually use
e-mail as a way of communication. For those people that use it everyday, it can be a
good way to gain fast access to your audience.

It should be noted that e-mail may not be appropriate when targeting your "Heavy
Hitters" for large donations. In the event you are seeking large donations, a
personalized letter or face to face request is a better option. 11
 FUNDRAISING LETTERS
SOLICITING DONATIONS

Now that you have your lists and your online website organized, you can start
working on your donation letter. Our past Trekkers have found the best way to raise
money is by writing a personal request letter. Writing fundraising letters allows you
to easily share information about the ALA and why you are riding the Trek.

With every letter you mail, you should include a pledge form with your Trekker
information on it and a return envelope. If you send your letters via e-mail be sure
to include your link to your personal fundraising page.

Veteran Trekkers suggest:

Make it Personal
We all love to get meaningful mail, so personalize your letter. Let them know the
reasons why you are riding the Trek. Is it in honor of a family member who died of
lung disease, a child with Asthma or the work of the American Lung Association?
Let your donors know that you have personally contributed yourself financially and
physically. Let people know that you are not just riding 3 days, explain your
training commitment from now until June 17th. These personal touches will help
your recipients connect with you.

Make 'Em Laugh!

Everyone loves a chuckle, so use humor where appropriate. Start your letter with
something like "Have you heard that (your name here) has gone off the deep end
again? This time, though, I'll be riding 180 miles just to get there!" This is a good way
to break the ice before you ask for a donation.

Keep It Short and Sweet

While everyone loves getting a letter, nobody has the time or desire to read
something long and drawn out. The letter should be short (no more than one or
two pages), concise and easy to read.

Show Me The Money!

We recommend giving your donors suggested giving levels. By including your
fundraising goal in your letter, donors will know exactly how much money you need
to raise to reach your goal.

Fun Idea! Have them donate per mile:

10 cents per mile = $18.00
25 cents per mile = $45.00
50 cents per mile = $90.00
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FUNDRAISING
MANAGING DONATIONS

Set a Deadline
People are generally motivated by deadlines. We give you a deadline for your own
fundraising, and we recommend you give your donors an even earlier date. This is a
good way for you to assess your progress before it is too late.

A Gentle Reminder
Many people will get your letter, think to themselves that they would love to help,
put the letter aside and completely forget they even received it.

The best way to send a reminder is to give personal training updates. Tell them how
your training is going.

Let them know that the fundraising is going well, but that you still have $X to
go before you reach your goal. At the end, ask them again if they would consider
sponsoring you for this great cause.

Single out Special Donors

Finally, think about setting at least one high giving mark or single out a handful of
people you think might consider this higher level and writing them separate letters.

Note: Remind them that their donation is tax-deductible.

13
 FUNDRAISING
INCENTIVES FOR THEM AND YOU

Incentive Program
The American Lung Association in Maine thanks you for your fundraising efforts.
When you raise more than the $500 minimum, you allow us to spend more on lung
health programs in New England.

When you go beyond the minimum, in addition to a great weekend, we offer

valuable incentives.

• Raise the minimum of $500 and receive the official Trek commemorative t-shirt.
• Prizes include L.L. Bean Gift Cards, Sunday River Ski Passes and other valuable
prizes.
• Watch your Cycle Shorts Newsletter for the 2011 Incentive Plan
announcement.

Winner’s Circle
Raise $1,000 or more and become a part of our prestigious Winner’s Circle Club.
Club members receive Winner’s Circle level incentives (including commemorative
jersey) and VIP treatment throughout the weekend. Check out the 2010 jersey
below!

To qualify for Winner’s Circle day of event benefits, pledges must be paid in full in
the amount of $1,000 or more (billed pledges do not count towards qualification).
Pledges must be paid by May 24, 2011 in order to count towards day of event
qualifications.

All 2010 Winner’s Circle members are offered a “Ticket to Ride” for the 2011 Cycle the
Seacoast in Portsmouth, N H. Just pay a $55 flat fee to ride.
Visit biketreknewengland.org for more details.

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SAFETY REGULATIONS
RULES TO KNOW AND FOLLOW

Rules:
• Ride on the right side of the roadway, with traffic. Remember: No Drafting!
• Children under the age of 7 may not ride. Children between 7-12 must ride on
a tandem bike or tag-a-long.
• All Trekkers under 18 MUST ride with their parent or guardian at all times
during the Trek (limit three children supervised per adult).
• When riding, you must always wear an ANSI or SNELL approved helmet, even
on college campus grounds.
• Riding with a MP3 player, iPod or other music device IS STRICTLY
PROHIBITED!
• Obey the signals and instructions of the Trek Volunteer route marshals, safety
patrol and riding police officers.
• The American Lung Association in Maine and our many volunteers
provide route support from 7:00am until 3:00pm.
• The Bicycle Coalition of Maine provides Safety Patrol support along the
Trek Route. The Safety Patrol cyclist are along the route ensure everyone is
practicing safe cycling habits. They can be identified by their neon yellow sash.
• Riding Police Officers and Riding Medics are also present along the route
ensuring the safety of all our Trekkers
• Be mindful of automobile traffic. The general public is not used to 2100 cyclists
on the road and may not be paying attention to their driving.
• Ride in single file. We must share the road safely and respectfully with all
vehicles and other cyclists.
• Ride a safe distance away from the cyclist in front of you.
• Never stop abruptly in the middle of the cycling lane.
• Before you stop on the road, shout “Stopping” and give a hand signal. Pull as far
off the right side of the road as possible.

15
 RIDE SMART
STAY SAFE DURING THE TREK

The Trek is Not a Race

Bicycling enthusiasts come to have fun while supporting the Lung Association. As a
cyclist, riding safely is your responsibility. Stay alert and encourage everyone around
you to ride safely.

The Lung Association goes to great lengths to help ensure the safety of our riders.
Local police, hospitals, and emergency services are alerted before the Trek passes
through their community. We also have fully qualified emergency medical services
on the Trek provided by Delta Ambulance Service.

Delta Ambulance personnel are located at Rest Stops along the route and at each
facility during the event. Delta has access to the medical information you provide
to us, so be sure to complete all medical forms entirely. Should your medical
information change from when you signed up notify the ALA staff.

trekacrossmaine@lungne.org
1-888-241-6566 ext. 0312

Trek Safety Patrol

The Trek Safety Patrol (TSP) is a group of
seasoned cyclists who ride the Trek and
educate trekkers about the “Rules of the
Road”. Besides being a second pair of eyes
for the American Lung Association, TSP
members are identified by their neon
yellow sash, and are there to lend a
helping hand to Trekkers in need!

We are looking for new members of the

Trek Safety Patrol! As the Trek grows, so
does the need to educate cyclists about safe
riding practices.

Please contact Gale Auclair at

gauclair@lungne.org for more information
about joining the Trek Safety Patrol.

16
RULES FOR RIDING
WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE TREK

Before You Ride Safety

Maintain & Regularly Inspect Your Equipment

Be safe and keep your bike tuned up. Take it to one of our Sponsoring Bike Shops at
least twice a year for professional inspection. Secure any loads tightly to a rack or
trailer. Before every ride be sure to:
• check that the brakes work properly and don't rub
• check tires and to ensure that they are firm
• make certain quick releases and other bolts are tight

Be Prepared
Always take along basic tools, patch kit, pump, rain gear, a few extra dollars and
change (for a pay phone). In addition to water bottles, pack an energy bar just in
case your ride lasts longer than expected.

Dress for the Occasion

Wear bright colors to be easily seen. Don't wear loose clothing and don't leave
any laces or strings dangling or they may get tangled in the gears or wheels. We
highly recommend that you wear padded cycling shorts to help prevent chaffing and
additional padding for long rides. Cycling gloves protect your hands and help reduce
fatigue. NEVER wear headphones on a bike, you need all your senses!

Wear a Helmet Correctly

Helmets are required by law for anyone under 16 but everyone is required to wear
a helmet in order to participate. If your helmet doesn't fit properly, it isn't likely
to serve you well if you crash. Do the "Eyes, Ears, Mouth Test" every time you go
cycling. First, place the helmet on your head -- it should be level and snug. If it slides
around you need to insert additional pads.

• Eyes: looking up past your eyebrows, you should see

the edge of the helmet
• Ears: the straps should meet right under your earlobes
• Mouth: when buckled, the strap should be loose
enough so you can breathe and insert two fingers
between it and your chin, but tight enough that if you
drop your jaw you can feel the helmet pull down on
the top of your head.

17
 RULES FOR RIDING
WHAT TO DO DURING THE TREK

While You Ride Safety

Watch for Animals

Animals are often excited by the movement of bicycles. Always yield to horses.
Most unleashed dogs are not dangerous. Simply stopping may halt their chase.
Squirting water and a forceful "NO!" also work well. Never kick at dogs.

Use Care at Rail Crossings

Always cross train tracks at right angles and avoid drain grates to prevent your
front wheel getting pulled down.

Don't Swerve Between Parked Cars

Ride in a predictable manner by proceeding in a straight line.

Make Eye Contact

The best way to communicate your intentions with other drivers is to get their
attention with eye contact.

Be Prepared for Weather Conditions

If it's raining, allow yourself extra distance to stop. If it's clear, use ample sunscreen
and drink extra water.

Anticipate Hills by shifting in advance.

Only Pass on the LEFT

Only pass on the left of other cyclists. Call out “On Your Left” to warn them.

Create Gaps
Create gaps in the line to allow space for passing cyclists or cars to advance.

Think For Yourself -- Fight Mob Mentality

When riding in a large group, the "strength in numbers" can be intoxicating.
Remember that individual thinking and action is essential for everyone's safety.

Thank you to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for providing the safe cycling
information. For more information about BCM please visit their website:
www.bikemaine.org
18
ROAD SAFETY
WHAT TO REMEMBER

Driving on the roads requires care and courtesy. As road users, cyclists must be
predictable and obey all traffic laws by riding in a responsible manner. Do your part
by being a good ambassador to cycling.

Below are a few bicycle driving rules for your review:

Obey All Traffic Laws
Bicycles are vehicles and must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic
signals. It can be tempting to ignore traffic rules, but this is when most crashes
occur.
Ride With Traffic
Always ride on the right side of the road. Do not pass motorists on the right. If you
approach an intersection with a right turn lane and intend to continue straight, ride
in the through lane with traffic.
Signal All Turns
Look back before you make a lane change or turn. Signal safely in advance using one
of these signals.

Making Left Hand Turns

You may turn left as a vehicle (1) by moving into the left side of the travel lane (or
left turn lane). OR Cross like a pedestrian (2) by stopping, dismounting, and walking
across crosswalks.
Always Ride With Lights at Night
Maine State Law requires a headlight and rear red reflectors visible from at least
500 feet when riding at night. Flashing tail lights and light colored and/or reflective
clothing are highly recommended. See and be seen!
Communicate With Other Cyclists
Let other cyclists behind you know when you approach hazards. Inform cyclists
in front when you are drafting. Call out with a friendly greeting when you are
passing. Do not shout "All Clear" at stop signs as each cyclist must take personal
responsibility and obey traffic laws.

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 ROAD SAFETY
RIDING WITH OTHERS

Ride Single File in Traffic

Always ride single file except when passing others. Also, notify
other bicyclists of approaching cars by shouting "car back!"

Watch for Potential Hazards

Scan the road 100 feet ahead for hazards such as debris, tracks, drains or potholes.
Allow time to maneuver around these hazards and negotiate with traffic. Avoid
riding into an opening with traffic. Avoid riding into open car doors by giving
yourself 3 or 4 feet.

Warn Others When Approaching

Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians. Be courteous by warning others with a ring of
your bell or a friendly greeting. Allow plenty of space when passing.

Signal Before Stopping

When you are preparing to slow or stop, indicate your intentions to others using
hand and verbal warnings.

Pull Off Road When Stopped

If you need to stop for any reason, pull completely off the road to avoid obstructing
other bicyclists and other road users.

Getting your body in the right shape for bicycling is extremely important.You must
train on a bicycle to specifically prepare your body. Complete at least one set of
back-to-back 50 mile rides a week before the Trek to understand how your body
will react to long distance riding.

Visit biketreknewengland.org and choose Trek Across Maine and Resources for a
sample training schedule.

Note: Please consult your physician before beginning this or any training
routine and for a nutrition plan that meets your health requirements.
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TREK TEAMS
HOW TO BECOME PART OF ONE

Safety regulations can be easier to remember when you've got others with you. As
you contemplate your journey across Maine, consider riding as part of a Trek Team!

Why Be Part of a Trek Team?

• Trek Teams train together, fundraise together and support each other.
• Teams have fun designing t-shirts and jerseys, hosting team parties and
fundraising events
• Corporate teams find that the Trek builds strong employee relationships and
encourages employee wellness.
• Trek Teams get professional team photos taken at Colby College from
2:30pm—4:30pm
• Teams can earn a tent at Team Tent City

Team Captains are Leaders Who…

Demonstrate management skills, lead by positive example, build new relationships,
and inspire team members.

Contact Teams Manager Gale Auclair 1-888-241-6566 x0302 for more information
about joining a Trek Team or becoming a Trek Team Captain.

Some of the Team Awards for 2011:

• Most Team Spirit: Awarded to the Team that shows the most team spirit at the
event–on the route or at the day-end celebrations.
• Best Dressed Team: Best Team Uniform Wins! Be serious, be tacky, be crazy, just
be well-dressed.
• Best Rookie Team Captain: Awarded to the Rookie Team Captain that goes
above and beyond to recruit and fundraise!
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Awarded to the veteran Team that has shown a
dedication to the Trek and ALA over the past years.

2010 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner - Community Bicycle Center 21

 PREPARING
YOUR BICYCLE AND YOU

Official Bike Shops

The Official Trek Across Maine Bike Shops support cyclists prior to the ride by
providing:

• Technical Assistance
• Free Bike Inspections
• Training Rides

The bike shops also provide mechanical support during the event which ensures
that you will have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Visit the Official Trek Across Maine Bike Shops below:

Auclair Cycle & Ski Augusta
Back Bay Bicycle Portland
Bethel Bicycle Bethel
Cycle Mania Portland
Gorham Bike & Ski Portland & Saco
L.L. Bean Freeport
Maine Sport Outfitters Rockport
Mathieu’s Cycle & Fitness Farmingdale & Oakland
Rainbow Bicycle & Fitness Auburn
Ski Rack Sports Bangor

Bike Repairs
Sponsoring bike shops setup repair tents at each facility and offer bike repairs. Bike
Mechanics are also located at each rest stop along the Trek route should you need
assistance while on the road. Labor is free, but please bring money for parts.

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Bike Shop Coupons!
Each of the following coupons are valid only to the 2011 Trekker who received
this handbook. Present your official Trekker ID Card. Please support the shops that
support us!

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 10%
off parts and
accessories and
1 free tube with
this coupon.
945 Center Street, Auburn, ME 04210
1-800-244-7576
www.rainbowbike.com

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 Official Trek Lodging
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WG 

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 
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 
 
 
  

Fireside Inn & Suites

356 Main St
Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: 207-873-3335
Trekkers eligible for discounted rate of $69.95 (plus tax).
Free continental breakfast.
Offer valid: June 17—19, 2011
Amenities:
Free WIFI & Local Calls Fitness Room
Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub Governor’s Restaurant

www.firesideinnwaterville.com

Your newest “CHOICE” Location

Comfort Inn & Suites

Farmington/Wilton
1026 US Route 2 East
Wilton, ME 04294
P. 207.645.5155
f. 207.645.5166
http://comfortinn.com/hotel/ME056

• Free Hot Comfort Sunshine Breakfast

• Free Wireless High-Speed Internet
• Heated Indoor Swimming Pool
• Whirlpool Tub & Fitness Center
• 86 Guestrooms & Suites and 32’ Flat screen Tv’s

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Our Sponsors